Health Benefits - Sunflowers

Benefits of Sunflowers

This is one of 70 species of Sunflowers. They are in the Aster family (like Calendula) and one of the few plants native to the United States.

You can eat their seeds and make oil.

Potential Benefits of their seeds:

Studies have shown that eating sunflower seeds is linked to a number of health benefits including lowering your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. They also have nutrients that can support you immune system and boost your energy levels.

🌻 They have anti-inflammatory properties. They contain Vitamin E, flavonoids, and other plant compounds that can reduce inflammation. In a study they found that consuming the seeds five times or more every week lowered levels of inflammation, which also lowered their risk factors for many chronic diseases.

🌻They are rich in healthy fats, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. 1/4 cup contains 14 grams of fat. Studies found that consuming seeds was linked to lower rates of Cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

🌻They contain many vitamins and minerals, including Zinc and Selenium, that can support your immune system and help you fight off viruses.

🌻They contain high amounts of protein, which help with your energy levels, but they also contain Vitamin B. So along with the selenium, they help keep you energized. The Vitamin B1 (which is also known as thiamin) helps you convert food into energy. This helps you stay active all day. The Selenium also can increase blood flow and deliver more oxygen to your body.

🌻They are also an excellent source of Iron, Copper, Manganese, and Potassium.

Potential benefits of the oil:

🌻It is low in saturated fats and also contains healthy fats polyunsaturated (Poly) and monounsaturated(Mono). Poly contains omega-3’s and 6’s which reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Mono may reduce heart disease and inflammation.

🌻The FDA supports the health claim that oils containing at least 70% oleic acid may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

🌻Some evidence suggests that Vitamin E can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. A deficiency of Vitamin E can cause nerve pain. Getting Vitamin E from food sources is more effective than taking a supplement.

⚠️There are risks⚠️

You may get excess body weight because it is a high calorie food. 

Fats used in frying emit fumes. The fumes contain aldehydes, which are toxic and can cause cancer. So sunflower oil should be used in low temp cooking.

✖️Please Note✖️

I am not a doctor, nor do I claim to be. I am posting this for information purposes. I just have been researching flowers and their benefits because I feel Heavenly Father has put everything on the earth for a reason - to help and benefit His children. Please make sure to consult a doctor before proceeding with any form of health treatment from flowers.